Bright Star 52-11-20 (05) George The Informer

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Bright Star 52-11-20 (05) George The Informer"

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Introduction

"Bright Star," a segment of Harold's Old Time Radio series, transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, capturing the essence of pre-television family entertainment. In the episode titled "George The Informer," released on July 19, 2025, host Harolds Old Time Radio delves into the dramatic interplay between journalism and organized crime at the Hillsdale Morning Star newspaper. The narrative centers around George Harvey, a passionate reporter, and Susan Armstrong, the pragmatic newspaper owner, as they navigate the treacherous waters stirred by the notorious racketeer, Joe Mantelli.

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Main Characters

• George Harvey (Fred McMurray): An ambitious and determined reporter at the Morning Star, committed to exposing corruption.

• Susan Armstrong (Irene Dunn): The cautious and discerning owner of the Morning Star, concerned about the newspaper's integrity and safety.

• Sammy: An aspiring journalist working under George, eager to emulate his mentor.

• Charlie Collins: George's informant within the Mantelli mob, whose true intentions become central to the plot.

• Patience: The resourceful cook at Susan's household, assisting in the investigative efforts.

• Joe Mantelli: The antagonist, a powerful and influential racketeer targeted by George's investigative reports.

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Plot Overview

1. Rising Stakes at the Morning Star

The episode begins with the Morning Star experiencing a significant increase in its press run, attributed to George Harvey's explosive articles on Joe Mantelli. [01:29] Sammy excitedly informs Susan Armstrong about the surge, highlighting the newspaper's growing prominence due to the coverage of Mantelli's alleged rackets.

• Notable Quote:
  • "George Harvey tells more on Joe Mantelli Expose Inside story on racetrack racket. Get your Morning Star here." [00:55]

2. Tensions Between George and Susan

Susan Armstrong expresses concerns over the credibility of George's sources, fearing potential repercussions if the information about Mantelli lacks authenticity. This leads to a heated exchange where Susan demands transparency and factual accuracy, emphasizing the danger of running unverified stories. [04:07]

• Notable Quote:
  • "I just can't take a chance on running any more of that stuff unless you're willing to prove it's accurate." – Susan Armstrong [04:27]

3. Introducing Charlie Collins

George introduces Charlie Collins as his primary source within the Mantelli organization. Susan remains skeptical, urging George to bring Collins in for a face-to-face discussion to verify his legitimacy. George complies, inviting Collins to dinner as a means to validate his information. [05:04]

• Notable Quote:
  • "I might if I feel like it. And on the other hand, I might not." – George Harvey [02:09]

4. The Conspiracy Deepens

Through dialogue, it's revealed that Charlie Collins is deeply entrenched within Mantelli's operations. Collins provides George with critical information about Mantelli's plans to take over Pittsburgh, heightening the stakes and the sense of urgency in the narrative. [09:35]

• Notable Quote:
  • "Pittsburgh? Chief Joe Mantelli is planning to take over Pittsburgh." – Charlie Collins [09:35]

5. The Plan to Frame Mantelli

As George grapples with Susan's doubts, he and Charlie devise a plan to frame Mantelli by smuggling diamonds into Susan's suitcase. They enlist Patience's help, leveraging her trusted position to execute the scheme without raising suspicion. [19:20]

• Notable Quote:
  • "Patience is one of the best cooks in the world, but the one thing she's proudest of is her lemon pies, and they're terrible." – George Harvey [19:24]

6. Mantelli Strikes Back

Joe Mantelli confronts both George and Susan, denying all allegations and threatening legal action for libel. Susan decides to investigate Mantelli personally, leading to a tense interaction where George attempts to expose Mantelli's deceptive practices. [13:32]

• Notable Quote:
  • "I never argue. If you want to believe that, you go ahead and believe it." – Joe Mantelli [22:19]

7. Charlie's Betrayal Unveiled

In a twist, Susan discovers that Charlie Collins has been fabricating stories based on gangster magazines, undermining their efforts to expose Mantelli. This revelation forces George to confront the betrayal and reassess his strategies. [23:16]

• Notable Quote:
  • "It's all here, George. Latest issue of Action Gangster magazine. Old Charlie Collins has been reading these stories and telling them back to you." – Susan Armstrong [23:26]

8. Climax and Cliffhanger

The episode culminates with Susan finding incriminating evidence in Mantelli's office, including gangster magazines and a gun, solidifying her suspicions. George realizes the depth of Charlie's betrayal, leaving the story on a suspenseful note that sets the stage for future confrontations. [25:24]

• Notable Quote:
  • "They were in his desk drawer, right next to his gun." – Susan Armstrong [25:24]

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Key Themes and Insights

• Journalistic Integrity vs. Safety: The tension between uncovering the truth and ensuring personal and organizational safety is a central theme, embodied by Susan's cautious approach contrasted with George's relentless pursuit.

• Betrayal and Trust: Charlie Collins' betrayal underscores the fragile nature of trust, especially when dealing with organized crime infiltrators.

• Power of Information: The episode highlights how control over information can influence public perception and wield significant power over societal dynamics.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "All cliches are bad style, Sammy. It's not a good habit to get into." – Susan Armstrong [01:50]

• "I just can't take a chance on running any more of that stuff unless you're willing to prove it's accurate." – Susan Armstrong [04:27]

• "Patience is one of the best cooks in the world, but the one thing she's proudest of is her lemon pies, and they're terrible." – George Harvey [19:24]

• "I never argue. If you want to believe that, you go ahead and believe it." – Joe Mantelli [22:19]

• "They were in his desk drawer, right next to his gun." – Susan Armstrong [25:24]

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Conclusion

"George The Informer" masterfully intertwines suspense, drama, and sharp dialogue to portray the complexities of investigative journalism amidst the shadowy world of organized crime. Through the strained relationship between George and Susan, the deceit of Charlie Collins, and the looming threat of Joe Mantelli, the episode captivates listeners, leaving them eagerly anticipating the unfolding of this enthralling narrative in upcoming episodes.

Listeners unfamiliar with "Bright Star" will find this episode a compelling introduction to the series' dynamic characters and intricate plotlines, encapsulating the essence of Old Time Radio storytelling.

Transcript

[Irene Dunn]

The Irene Dunn, Fred McMurray Show. Starring Irene Dunn as Susan and Fred McMurray as George together in the gay, new exciting comedy adventure Bright Star. The irene Dunn Fred McMurray Show. The gay, exciting, romantic adventures that take place around the Hillsdale Morning Star. Yes, things are happening at the Star, and as usual, they concern Irene Dunn and Fred McMurray as Susan Armstrong and George Harvey, respectively. And it must be exciting because. Well, let's listen.

[Fred McMurray]

History Hickstree, read all about it. George Harvey tells more on Joe Mantelli Expose Inside story on racetrack racket. Get your Morning Star here. Mintelli blasted as number one racketeer in the state. Read all about it. Inside information on Mentelli. Get your Morning Star here. Hamstring.

[Sammy]

Here's a Press Run report, Ms. Armstrong. Gee, we went up 1,500 yesterday.

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, I know.

[Sammy]

That's pretty good, huh?

[Susan Armstrong]

Maybe.

[Sammy]

Boy, those articles Mr. Harvey's writing on Joe Mantellier. Well, they're selling like hotcakes.

[Susan Armstrong]

Sammy, you want to be a newspaper man yourself someday? Sure. Then try to avoid such old cliches as selling like hotcakes.

[Sammy]

Well, gee, Ms. Armstrong, I don't know any new cliches.

[Susan Armstrong]

All cliches are bad style, Sammy. It's not a good habit to get into.

[Sammy]

Okay, Ms. Armstrong, all I want to do is follow in Mr. Harvey's footsteps.

[Susan Armstrong]

That's another cliche. Don't you see how trite and old fashioned they sound?

[Sammy]

Well, maybe you're right. Well, to me it's six of one.

[Susan Armstrong]

And a half a dozen of the other.

[Sammy]

Oh, gee, Miss Armstrong, you must be a mind reader.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, go and ask Mr. Harvey to come in here, will you?

[Sammy]

Well, you see, he. Well, he must have gone down to the press room.

[Susan Armstrong]

You mean he hasn't come in yet? Well, Sammy, why do you always try to cover up for Mr. Harvey?

[Sammy]

Oh, I just hate to see him get fired.

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, he's a wonderful reporter, isn't he?

[Sammy]

Oh, it isn't that. He usually owes me anywhere from two to eight bucks and I gotta protect my interest.

[Susan Armstrong]

All right, Sammy, send him in as soon as he gets here.

[Sammy]

Yes, ma'.

[Susan Armstrong]

Am.

[George Harvey]

Good morning. You little monster.

[Sammy]

See, Mr. Harvey, I never know whether you really hate me or you're just.

[George Harvey]

Sammy, I'm as puzzled about it as you are. I admire you as a man, but I loathe you as a creditor.

[Sammy]

The boss wants to see you right away.

[George Harvey]

Well, that hardly merits such an extremely grave tone. Two more Mantelli articles and the whole world will want to see me.

[Sammy]

Aren't you going to see what she wants?

[George Harvey]

I might if I feel like it. And on the other hand, I might not.

[Sammy]

Then why you heading straight for our office?

[George Harvey]

Okay, Sammy, you cleared it all up for me. I hate.

[Susan Armstrong]

This is a fine hour to be getting in.

[George Harvey]

That's what I love about the newspaper game, the directness. No good morning, no how do you feel? No greetings of any kind. Just bang right out with a complaint.

[Susan Armstrong]

Good morning.

[George Harvey]

Good morning.

[Susan Armstrong]

This is a fine hour to be getting in.

[George Harvey]

I never win, and I've given up hoping to. But once in a while, I would like to run a respectable second. Hey, what's this? Print run went up 1500 yesterday. Pretty good, huh?

[Susan Armstrong]

I wish you wouldn't read the things on my desk.

[George Harvey]

Okay, but you know what's selling those extra pages, don't you?

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, I know. Your articles on Mentelli. Well, George, I'm worried about them.

[George Harvey]

Worried about them? Here we're setting the town, in fact, the whole state right on its ear with facts and figures on the Mentelli mob, and you're worried about it? Yes.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, that's just it, George. The facts and the figures are too pat. They're too accurate. You couldn't possibly get this information from anybody except a member of Mantelli's own staff.

[George Harvey]

So what, George?

[Susan Armstrong]

Who's your source of information?

[George Harvey]

You know I won't tell you that.

[Susan Armstrong]

Okay, then I'm going to have to stop running the article.

[George Harvey]

Oh, now, Susan, have a heart. I've got a real chance with that series. Mentelli's the real big shot of crime in this state, and I can prove it.

[Susan Armstrong]

Nope. I just can't take a chance on running any more of that stuff unless you're willing to prove it's accurate.

[George Harvey]

That's final?

[Susan Armstrong]

That's final.

[George Harvey]

Then I quit.

[Susan Armstrong]

Waiting for anything.

[George Harvey]

Why don't you ever bleed me?

[Susan Armstrong]

When I quit, I used to every week.

[George Harvey]

You still won't run the staffer?

[Susan Armstrong]

Nope. Not until I'm convinced.

[George Harvey]

Well, then I guess you've got to meet Charlie Collins.

[Susan Armstrong]

Charlie Collins?

[George Harvey]

He's my source. I ran into him one day and, well, I was sitting at a soda fountain.

[Susan Armstrong]

George, this is supposed to be convincing?

[George Harvey]

Okay, so I was at Clancy, sitting in a booth when this little nervous kind of guy sort of eases up to the table. He sits down opposite me and.

[Charlie Collins]

Mr. Harvey.

[George Harvey]

Yeah?

[Charlie Collins]

I'm ready to talk.

[George Harvey]

Ready to talk.

[Charlie Collins]

You are George Harvey of the Star, aren't you?

[George Harvey]

Yeah.

[Charlie Collins]

Okay, I'm ready to talk.

[George Harvey]

Look, my friend, I don't Feel like talking? If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone.

[Charlie Collins]

You don't get it. I don't mean just talk. I'm ready to spill.

[George Harvey]

What have you got to spill?

[Charlie Collins]

You've heard of Joe Mentelli, haven't you?

[George Harvey]

Yeah. Yeah, of course.

[Charlie Collins]

I work for him. I'm in the mob. Oh.

[George Harvey]

What's the angle?

[Charlie Collins]

I want to go straight. I figure if you do one of them exposes on Mentelli, that'll take care of him.

[George Harvey]

Okay, start talking.

[Charlie Collins]

Racetracks. Racetracks, racetracks.

[George Harvey]

That's how I got the dope for the first article.

[Susan Armstrong]

What does that prove? Collins could be making the whole thing up.

[George Harvey]

Sure he could. But be reasonable. Why would he?

[Susan Armstrong]

I don't know.

[George Harvey]

He'd be sticking his neck out a mile.

[Susan Armstrong]

I'd like to meet your Charlie Collins.

[George Harvey]

Well, he certainly won't come here. Mentelli's smart enough to have this place watched.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, why don't you bring him out to the house? Or you come out for dinner and then have him meet you there.

[George Harvey]

Of all the unreasonable, suspicious females.

[Susan Armstrong]

Now, is it unreasonable to ask you for dinner?

[George Harvey]

Okay. I'll try to contact Collins and get him out there.

[Susan Armstrong]

Good.

[George Harvey]

And thanks for the invitation.

[Susan Armstrong]

You're welcome. George?

[George Harvey]

Yeah?

[Susan Armstrong]

Why did you want to be alone in Clancy's?

[George Harvey]

I wanted to think.

[Susan Armstrong]

Just to think or. Or to think of someone.

[George Harvey]

As a matter of fact, I was thinking of someone.

[Susan Armstrong]

Who?

[George Harvey]

I was thinking about Richard Harding Davis. He was a great man and a great reporter. You know, some of that stuff of his is. Susan, what's the matter? You're not listening.

[Susan Armstrong]

See you at dinner, George.

[George Harvey]

I don't get it. You ask a question, I tell you the answer. Then you're angry.

[Susan Armstrong]

I'm not angry, George. Just a little hurt.

[George Harvey]

Just so. That's where Sammy gets those cliches.

[Susan Armstrong]

Why, you.

[George Harvey]

Susan, you could kill a man throwing a paperweight like that at him.

[Susan Armstrong]

George, go.

[Patience]

So you got him coming out to dinner again.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, this is partly business. Patience business.

[Patience]

You lay more traps for that man than Daniel Boone on a busy day.

[Susan Armstrong]

Somehow he always eases out of them.

[Patience]

It's because you fight with him too much. Did you ever try faintin'?

[Susan Armstrong]

Fainting?

[Patience]

Woman I once used to cook for was trying to catch a certain fellow. And every time an argument started, she'd go into a faint.

[Susan Armstrong]

Did it work?

[Patience]

No. But by the end of an evening, she was certainly well rested.

[Susan Armstrong]

I'll get it.

[Patience]

He's never late when you ask him for dinner, is he?

[Susan Armstrong]

Hello, George.

[George Harvey]

Hi, Collins. Will be here any minute.

[Susan Armstrong]

Collins.

[George Harvey]

Charlie Collins. My source on the Mantelli stuff. That's why I'm out here, isn't it?

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, Charlie Collins.

[George Harvey]

What other Collins do you know?

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, George, now, let's not argue. I feel a trifle faint.

[George Harvey]

You faint? That's a laugh. You're as strong as a horse.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, so much for that. No, nothing. Go and sit down, George. Dinner. Be ready soon.

[George Harvey]

That was an awkward kind of thing to say. You know, about you being as strong as a horse. I. I didn't exactly mean it the way it sounded.

[Susan Armstrong]

Quite all right.

[George Harvey]

No, no, it's just that, well, I see you around the office all day, and I forget what a charming, lovely gal you really are.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, George, what a nice thing to say.

[George Harvey]

Then I see you out here looking like an illustration in one of those slick paper magazines. Yes, and I forget what a stubborn, quarrelsome dame you can be around the office.

[Susan Armstrong]

I give up. Let's fight.

[George Harvey]

What's the matter now? I thought I was paying you a compliment.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, never mind. George.

[Charlie Collins]

Hmm?

[Susan Armstrong]

Somebody's raising that window behind you.

[George Harvey]

No, it's probably Charlie. He's foxy, never uses the door. Come on in, Charlie. Right on time. Charlie, this is Ms. Armstrong, the owner of the paper.

[Susan Armstrong]

How do you do, Mr. Collins?

[Charlie Collins]

How do?

[George Harvey]

Ms. Armstrong wanted to talk to you herself, because that stuff we've been running is pretty strong.

[Charlie Collins]

Okay.

[Susan Armstrong]

I wondered why you've been giving Mr. Harvey this information.

[Charlie Collins]

Because when the time is right, when we busted up the mob and wiped them out, the chief is going to publish the name of the man who helped him.

[Susan Armstrong]

The chief. Well, George, am I learning for the first time that in your youth you were a papoose?

[George Harvey]

Well, Charlie sort of got in the habit of calling me Chief. It's just an expression.

[Charlie Collins]

And I'm number seven.

[Susan Armstrong]

Number seven? But there are only two of you.

[Charlie Collins]

In an operation like this, you always use numbers instead of names. Oh, Chief, I got news. Big news.

[George Harvey]

What's happening, Charlie?

[Charlie Collins]

Pittsburgh.

[George Harvey]

Pittsburgh.

[Charlie Collins]

Pittsburgh? Chief Joe Mantelli is planning to take over Pittsburgh.

[Susan Armstrong]

No, I know the answer to that.

[George Harvey]

Yes, Susan, please.

[Susan Armstrong]

All right, I'll be quiet.

[George Harvey]

Are you sure of that, Charlie?

[Charlie Collins]

The plans are almost set. I'll give you the full details as soon as I get them.

[George Harvey]

Right.

[Charlie Collins]

I better be going now. Mintelli is keeping a close watch on everybody.

[George Harvey]

Good work, Charlie.

[Charlie Collins]

Thanks, Chief.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, number seven.

[Charlie Collins]

Yeah.

[Susan Armstrong]

Don't slam the window on the way out.

[Charlie Collins]

Okay.

[George Harvey]

Well, what have you got to say now, George?

[Susan Armstrong]

I'm still worried.

[George Harvey]

Well, you asked to meet the Man, I had him come out here. What more can I do? Get Mentelli to dictate the story.

[Susan Armstrong]

No, of course not. But I just hate to run a sensational series on the word of a man like that.

[George Harvey]

Well, you don't get crime material from society people, you know.

[Susan Armstrong]

I know, but. Oh, I just wish you'd consider dropping the series.

[George Harvey]

Drop the series. That does it.

[Susan Armstrong]

Now, don't quit before dinner. Patience has cooked something that you like.

[George Harvey]

Very funny. And goodbye.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, George.

[George Harvey]

Yeah?

[Susan Armstrong]

Just because Mr. Collins left by the window. You don't have to leave by the window.

[George Harvey]

I. I guess I got excited.

[Susan Armstrong]

Ah, please stay. I'm asking it as a favor.

[George Harvey]

Well, why is it I can't say so? Are you?

[Susan Armstrong]

I wish I knew. I'd use it more often.

[Mrs. Gilhooly]

Mrs. Gilhooly. Prices are terrible.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, they are, Mrs. Herity, they are.

[Mrs. Gilhooly]

And where will it end? Oh, I don't know. I'm sure tis the economic stabilization will do for us all. Oh, good evening, Mr. Collins.

[Charlie Collins]

Good evening, Mrs. Herity. Any messages for me?

[Mrs. Gilhooly]

None tonight, thank you.

[Charlie Collins]

Good night, lady.

[Susan Armstrong]

Good night.

[Mrs. Gilhooly]

Good night, Mr. Collins. If only all the other boarders were like him.

[Patience]

He's a pleasant spoken man indeed.

[Mrs. Gilhooly]

And never a bit of trouble. Though lately he's been acting odd. Odd?

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes. How?

[Mrs. Gilhooly]

Oh, you know, he's always subscribed to every one of them detective story and gangster magazines.

[Patience]

Yes, he gives them to me, Timmy.

[Mrs. Gilhooly]

After he's through with them. Well, yesterday morning I was cleaning the hall outside his room and I heard him reading one of them gangster stories out loud. And then, well, a little later, I heard him telling the same story over again with a few changes in it. Just as if he was practicing telling it to someone else.

[George Harvey]

Why would the man be doing that?

[Mrs. Gilhooly]

Do you think he could be planning.

[Patience]

To turn into a writer, maybe?

[Sammy]

No.

[Mrs. Gilhooly]

Why would Mr. Collins want to turn into a writer? And him with his fine job as head cashier for the transit company these 20 years.

[Patience]

Don't sound very like it.

[Charlie Collins]

Just remember of this, boys. I'm in. I'm taking over. Reach for that rod, Rocky, and it's the last move you'll ever make.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, saints preservers.

[Irene Dunn]

What's that?

[Mrs. Gilhooly]

Oh, just Mr. Collins, Raiden to himself. The new Cry magazine came today. Will you have another cook, Mrs. Gilhooly?

[Susan Armstrong]

I don't mind if I do, Mrs. Harbor.

[Irene Dunn]

Now back to our two stars, Irene Dunn and Fred McMurray. And the second act of our story. Well, it's only natural that all those newspaper stories George has been writing About Big Joe Mentelli should have repercussions. And right now, Joe seems to be taking some action. Hello?

[Joe Mantelli]

Hello, Harcourt. What's the sense of you having a private wire if you let it ring that long?

[George Harvey]

Who is it?

[Joe Mantelli]

Joe Mantelli. You cheesy lawyers get enough money from me every year, you should recognize my voice.

[Irene Dunn]

Oh, good morning, Joe.

[Joe Mantelli]

Did you read the papers? You see what that Harvey had today? Yeah. Well, what you gonna do about it?

[Irene Dunn]

What do you want me to do about it?

[Joe Mantelli]

Sit down on the curbstone and have a nice cry. You're a lawyer. You know what to do. Ain't a word of truth in what Harvey's writing. Sue him for libel.

[Irene Dunn]

If you do that, they'll put you on the witness stand, Joe.

[Joe Mantelli]

So they'll put me on the stand. What of it? I'm a respectable businessman now, likely to.

[Irene Dunn]

Ask you about those horse wires.

[Joe Mantelli]

All right, horse wires is illegal, but they ain't a real crime.

[Irene Dunn]

What about the warehouse deal?

[Joe Mantelli]

How can they ask me about that Texas setup? Or dad?

[Irene Dunn]

And how about the.

[Joe Mantelli]

But those are just sidelines.

[Irene Dunn]

I can ask about them.

[Joe Mantelli]

Well, all I gotta say is it's a fine state of affairs when a guy like Harvey can print them things about a respectable businessman and get away with it. And don't you send me no bill for that kind of advice.

[Charlie Collins]

Justice.

[Joe Mantelli]

When you don't want it, they stuff it down your throat. When you do want to try and get it. Yeah? Who? What? Send her in.

[Susan Armstrong]

Mr. Mantelli?

[Joe Mantelli]

Yeah. So you're Miss Armstrong, huh?

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes.

[Joe Mantelli]

I was just getting ready to sue you for libel.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, were you? Well, then perhaps it's a good thing I'm here.

[Joe Mantelli]

You gonna print a retraction?

[Susan Armstrong]

No, I can hardly do that.

[Joe Mantelli]

Then I'll sue.

[Susan Armstrong]

On the whole, I rather doubt that you will.

[Joe Mantelli]

What makes you think that?

[Susan Armstrong]

But if you were going to sue, you'd have started already.

[Joe Mantelli]

Got it all figured out, haven't you?

[Susan Armstrong]

I'm trying to just.

[Joe Mantelli]

Why'd you come here?

[Susan Armstrong]

I wanted to make up my mind about something. The best way to do that seemed to be to come and have a talk with you.

[Joe Mantelli]

You got your doubts about that stuff Harvey's been writing, huh?

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, I have.

[Joe Mantelli]

Well, there ain't a word of truth in it.

[Susan Armstrong]

Are you willing to prove that?

[Fred McMurray]

Sure.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, if you do, the articles will stop immediately.

[Joe Mantelli]

I can't quite figure out how to go about proving it to you. But I could show you the books. But anybody can make up a set of books.

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, that's true.

[Joe Mantelli]

I Guess the best way is if you got the time for you to stick around and watch me conduct my business.

[Susan Armstrong]

Just what is your business?

[Joe Mantelli]

Oh, investments of different kinds of.

[Susan Armstrong]

All right. As a matter of fact, while I'm here, I might do a straight article on you myself. It might make up for the others we ran.

[Joe Mantelli]

Hey, that's a good idea. You're pretty smart, little lady.

[Susan Armstrong]

Thank you.

[Joe Mantelli]

You know, with someone like you that tell me the right forks to use and stuff like that, there's no telling where I might wind up. Yeah. First ex mobster ever to become president. It's not so impossible. He's called the chief executive, ain't he? So what's an executive? A fellow who people does what he tells them. Well, people do what I tell them.

[Sammy]

Hey, Mr. Harvey, how about letting me.

[Susan Armstrong]

Have a little on account, huh?

[George Harvey]

Out of my way, junior.

[Sammy]

Well, gee, what are you so sore about?

[Susan Armstrong]

Hello, George.

[George Harvey]

Why isn't my Mantelli article in today's paper?

[Susan Armstrong]

No, George, don't get angry.

[George Harvey]

I'm not getting angry. I am angry. Why wasn't my stuff in?

[Susan Armstrong]

Because I told them to hold it.

[George Harvey]

You told them to hold it? Why?

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, we just might be on the wrong track.

[George Harvey]

I thought we'd settled that last night.

[Susan Armstrong]

Listen, I went to see Mr. Mantelli this morning.

[George Harvey]

You went to see him?

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, and as nearly as I can tell, he's conducting a legitimate business.

[George Harvey]

Ah, women.

[Susan Armstrong]

I know it's a disappointment to you, but we've got to be more certain of our ground before we go on with this series.

[George Harvey]

That's a woman. Every time you go to see him, he flashes you a big smile, pays you a couple of phony compliments, and you're ready to believe anything.

[Susan Armstrong]

All right. I started to do a straight article on Mentelli, but he's leaving for Mexico on business. He invited me to go along, all expenses paid. I said I couldn't.

[George Harvey]

Very nice offer, though.

[Susan Armstrong]

Mr. Mantelli said he can tell the difference between a dame what's a lady and a dame what's a dame?

[George Harvey]

How do you make out?

[Susan Armstrong]

I'm going and I'm going to do a whole series on him.

[George Harvey]

Oh, Susan, you can't be seen around with a man like that.

[Sammy]

Can't I?

[Susan Armstrong]

Just you watch me.

[Charlie Collins]

Hi, chief. I got some big news for you.

[George Harvey]

And I've got some big news for you. Miss Armstrong went to see Mentelli this morning. How come you didn't know about it?

[Charlie Collins]

She went to. To see Mantelli?

[George Harvey]

Yes. Why didn't you know It?

[Charlie Collins]

Why, I knew it as soon as I. Soon as I heard of it, I. I figured I'd better stay out of the way. Why? Why, if she'd give one flicker of recognition, we'd both have been rubbed out.

[George Harvey]

Well, you've got a point there.

[Charlie Collins]

But listen, chief, this new angle, it's about the dance halls that are being.

[George Harvey]

Never mind the new angle, and don't call me chief. Oh, gee, Chief, he's got to convince that he's legit. She's even going to cover a business trip of his.

[Charlie Collins]

Then we just got to prove to her that he's still in the rackets.

[George Harvey]

Yeah, but how?

[Charlie Collins]

The way you prove a crook is a crook is to frame him. Everybody knows that.

[George Harvey]

Oh, Charlie, don't try to be funny.

[Charlie Collins]

I'm not. Where's he going?

[George Harvey]

Mexico.

[Charlie Collins]

Well, look, suppose he was going to smuggle back a load of diamonds. Suppose he was going to smuggle them back in a secret compartment in her bag.

[George Harvey]

Oh, great. All we have to do is get Mentelli to put a secret compartment in her suitcase and. Oh, you. You mean we do it right? It might work at that. Let's see. Maybe we could get Patience to help us.

[Charlie Collins]

Do you think she would?

[George Harvey]

She might, if I eat enough lemon pie.

[Charlie Collins]

Lemon pie?

[George Harvey]

Patience is one of the best cooks in the world, but the one thing she's proudest of is her lemon pies, and they're terrible.

[Charlie Collins]

Maybe you better see her alone.

[George Harvey]

Oh, no, you don't, little man. We're in this together.

[Patience]

Well, it seems kind of crazy to me, but if this Joe Mantelli is what you say he is, I guess I'd better help you keep Miss Susan home.

[George Harvey]

You're sure you've got this straight? Now, Patience, tomorrow morning, you send her bag over to his place. If she asks you about it, tell her he sent for it.

[Patience]

Why would he do that?

[Charlie Collins]

To make sure it would get to the airport in time.

[Patience]

Yeah, well, okay.

[George Harvey]

Well, say, Patience, this is mighty tasty pie.

[Charlie Collins]

Charius, if there's anything I love, it's a good piece of custard pie.

[George Harvey]

It's lemon.

[Charlie Collins]

Yeah, that's what I meant to say. Lemon.

[George Harvey]

Well, we'll take the suitcase, fix it up and get it back to you this afternoon in time for you to pack it.

[Susan Armstrong]

All right.

[George Harvey]

We'll be back at four.

[Susan Armstrong]

Good.

[Patience]

And by the way, just in case you think I'm doing this because you praised my pie, it was custard.

[Joe Mantelli]

How much time we got? 12 minutes. Where's the dame? Don't worry. A Classy little lady like that never stands anybody up.

[Charlie Collins]

Look.

[Joe Mantelli]

See? What'd they tell you?

[Susan Armstrong]

Hello, Mr. Mantelli. Afraid I'd miss the plane?

[Joe Mantelli]

Ah, not me. Dutch was a little nervous. This is Dutch Krause, Miss Armstrong. Dutch is kind of a assistant of mine.

[Susan Armstrong]

How do you do, Mr. Krause?

[Joe Mantelli]

Likewise. We can go on board the plane now if you want to.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, I'd rather wait here a few more minutes.

[Joe Mantelli]

Expecting anybody to see you off?

[Susan Armstrong]

No, I guess not.

[Joe Mantelli]

Well, okay with me. It's as easy waiting here as anyplace else.

[Susan Armstrong]

Thank you.

[Joe Mantelli]

Dutch, you better get the baggage weighed in, put on the plane. Right.

[George Harvey]

Just a minute there. I want to take a look at those bags.

[Mrs. Gilhooly]

George.

[Joe Mantelli]

Who's this guy?

[George Harvey]

I'm George Harvey.

[Joe Mantelli]

Oh, so you're the guy who's been riding that stuff.

[George Harvey]

That's right. Mantelli, Miss Armstrong isn't getting on that plane.

[Joe Mantelli]

I don't know that you've got anything to say about it, bud. It's up to the little lady.

[George Harvey]

Susan, this guy is exactly what he always has been.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, now, if this is some more information from your precious number seven, I'm not interested.

[George Harvey]

He's even planning to use you, and I can prove it.

[Joe Mantelli]

Well, that's kind of interesting. Just how you gonna do that?

[George Harvey]

He may have told you he's going to Mexico on business. But do you know what that business is? It's diamond smuggling.

[Joe Mantelli]

People certainly know things about me that I never heard of myself.

[George Harvey]

And he's planning to use you, Susan. Look.

[Joe Mantelli]

Hey, what are you doing with that bag?

[George Harvey]

You keep out of this. There. Look at this. A false bottom in the suitcase. That's where the stones were going to be brought back. And if anything went wrong, you'd be the one to be caught.

[Susan Armstrong]

Mr. Mantelli, how about this?

[Joe Mantelli]

Listen, little lady, I never argue. If you want to believe that, you go ahead and believe it.

[George Harvey]

It's right here for her to see, isn't it, buster?

[Joe Mantelli]

I said I. Don't argue. The way I happen to feel about you, if I ever got started, I couldn't stop.

[George Harvey]

Well, anytime you're ready, let me know.

[Joe Mantelli]

I will.

[George Harvey]

Well, Susan?

[Susan Armstrong]

No explanation, Mr. Mantelli.

[Joe Mantelli]

None.

[Susan Armstrong]

That's that, then. Well, you'd better take me home, George.

[Joe Mantelli]

Tough luck, Joe. Some you win, some you'll lose. I wonder how that secret compartment got there. That beats me. I wasn't planning to smuggle no diamonds in her suitcase. I was going to use a hat box.

[Patience]

Well, the modern age is certainly on us. If you got to Mexico and back.

[Charlie Collins]

In that time, she didn't leave. Gee, Chief, you got her. That's great. They can't beat old Charlie Collins.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, you think so, do you? Pittsburgh, huh? Pittsburgh, slot machines, race wires.

[George Harvey]

What are you talking about, Susan?

[Susan Armstrong]

It's all here, George. Latest issue of Action Gangster magazine. Old Charlie Collins has been reading these stories and telling them back to you. Young Mr. Harvey, he's been.

[George Harvey]

Charlie, Charlie. Is that what you've been doing?

[Charlie Collins]

Chief, I.

[Susan Armstrong]

And the issue before this had the story you gave us on crooked roulette.

[Charlie Collins]

Chief, I. There's no use. I did it. Well, I guess this is goodbye, Chief.

[George Harvey]

Charlie, how could you do a thing like that to me?

[Charlie Collins]

I don't know. I guess it's just that danger attracts me. Boy, when we'd sit there and figure what Mentelli was gonna do next and how we'd expose him. Oh, that was real thrilling, chief.

[George Harvey]

Good grief. And you can stop calling me Chief.

[Charlie Collins]

Well, Chief, I'll be going. Miss Armstrong, can I ask one last favor?

[Susan Armstrong]

What is it?

[Charlie Collins]

This is the last time I'll be here, so do you mind if I leave by the window?

[Susan Armstrong]

Okay. Number seven.

[George Harvey]

Thanks.

[Irene Dunn]

Our stars, Irene Dunn and Fred McMurray will be back in a moment.

[George Harvey]

Susan, there's something I've been wondering about. How did you happen to find out about Charlie Collins? You don't normally read things like Action Gangster Magazine.

[Susan Armstrong]

No, but I ran across this whole stack of them the day I went to Mantelli's office.

[George Harvey]

Oh, I don't get it.

[Susan Armstrong]

They were in his desk drawer, right next to his gun.

[George Harvey]

Why would Mantelli read things like this?

[Susan Armstrong]

I don't know. I guess it reminds him of home. Oh, don't touch that issue, George. I go off.

[George Harvey]

You mean you took the gun too?

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, of course, George.

[Irene Dunn]

Why?

[Susan Armstrong]

Because it seemed that sensible thing to do.

[Irene Dunn]

Irene Dunn and Fred McMurray will be back next week in another exciting comedy adventure in the gay new series, Bright Star. This is Harry Von Zel inviting you to join us.

[George Harvey]

Then.

[Susan Armstrong]

Sam.